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Small Group Tour IJT Classic

Winter Highlights

14 Nights: from US$4800 Trip Code: WH

From incredible snow sculptures and rare birds in Hokkaido to snow monkeys and cultural treasures on Honshu; this tour demonstrates the myriad attractions of the winter season on Japan's two largest islands. Read more >

Hokkaido, Japan's remote, northern outpost, is off the beaten track even for most Japanese. Here you'll wander vast, windswept plains and wild peninsulas where still-smoking volcanoes provide the backdrop, with a litany of rare birds to be spotted.

In Tsurui you'll receive an introduction to Hokkaido's avian residents accompanied by an expert birding guide, whilst in Rausu you'll take an icebreaker cruise amongst the creaking floes of the Okhotsk Sea. With a bit of luck on your side, the cruise will bring you within range of magnificent Steller's sea eagles, a fantastic opportunity for keen wildlife photographers.

Before returning to the mainland you'll stop for three nights in Sapporo, Hokkaido's capital and home to the famous snow festival, during which approximately 400 giant snow sculptures occupy the city's spaces. Sapporo is famous for beer as well as snow, so in addition to enjoying the festival you'll take a tour of one of the city's breweries.

Honshu is Japan's main island and offers a very different experience from Hokkaido. In Tokyo you'll take a cruise on the Sumida River and warm your hands around a bowl of green tea at Hamarikyu Gardens, whilst in Kyoto you might be lucky enough to enjoy the enchanting sight of the Golden Pavilion wreathed in snow. You will also have a private audience with a maiko (trainee geisha), which is sure to be a highlight of your trip.

Finally, one of the highlights of your tour comes in Yudanaka - where you'll witness the Japanese macaques as they stave off the cold in the mountain hot springs.

Important Practical Information

Maximum Group Size: 14

Single Supplement: This tour has a single supplement. This guarantees a single room throughout the tour.

Transport: Please note that all transfers are by public transport making use of Japan's first-rate transport network. All the hotels and ryokan have been chosen for their location close to the nearest station. However, you will have to carry your bags for short distances and some stations do not have escalators. We highly recommend that to make your stay more enjoyable you pack reasonably light. Large suitcases will be an inconvenience to you. A small case or bag with wheels or a rucksack are most appropriate for this tour. Clothes washing machines are available in Rausu and Tsurui.

Weather and clothing: We will be spending 6 days in Japan's northern island of Hokkaido and you should be aware that it will be extremely cold here. Night-time temperatures can get below minus 20 degrees centigrade. There are many days on which the temperature drops below 0 degrees centigrade all day long. You will need heavy overcoats, caps, gloves, scarves, etc. in addition to sweaters and jackets. Our accommodation will of course be heated but for the outdoors you will also need shoes that are suitable for walking on snow or ice, and rubber crampons.

Accommodation: All of the accommodation except for in Tsurui are equipped with full en-suite facilities (attached bath / shower and toilet). The hotel in Tsurui has shared facilities (single sex). International Flights: This tour starts and finishes in Tokyo for arrivals and departures at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda Airports.

Please note that the included meet-and-greet and airport transfer to the first hotel is ONLY available up to 2 days in advance of the tour and if you are staying extra nights pre-tour it is only available if those nights are booked through InsideJapan Tours. Check-in: Please note that rooms at the Tokyo hotel are only available from 3pm. (You can, however, securely leave your luggage at the front desk at any time).

Winter Highlights - 15 Days - Booking

Day 1-2

Ride on the Sumida river bus and sip green tea in the tranquil environs of Hamarikyu Gardens, an unlikely oasis in the centre of the Tokyo Metropolis.

On arrival at Tokyo's Narita Airport you will be met at arrivals by your driver and travel to your hotel in the traditional Asakusa district of the city by shared shuttle. Your tour leader will be waiting to welcome you in the lobby, and this evening you will convene with your group for an orientation meeting and a fabulous included meal at one of the area's great restaurants.
On day two of your itinerary we hope you're rested and ready for a tour of Tokyo's many exciting attractions. You will probably begin by exploring Asakusa's low-rise market stalls and its temple, Senso-ji, then go on to discover some of Tokyo's other distinct districts – perhaps the electronics shops of Akihabara, or the famous scramble crossing of Shibuya.
A ride on the Sumida River bus will be included today, along with entrance and a cup of green tea at the beautiful Hamarikyu Gardens – an oasis in the centre of the metropolis.

Overnight: Asakusa Via Inn

Day 3

Fly north to Hokkaido, Japan's second-largest island and home to spectacular wildlife and scenery.

Today you will hop aboard a private bus and head out of the city to Haneda Airport for your flight to Hokkaido. Hokkaido is the second-largest of Japan's four main islands, and yet it remains unvisited by most international visitors – and even by most Japanese! Known for its rare wildlife, rugged sweeping plains, volcanic landscapes and amazing snow festival, Hokkaido is a superb winter destination and definitely off the beaten track.
You will land in Kushiro and transfer by private coach to Tsurui , where you'll be spending your first night in Hokkaido. A delicious home-cooked dinner will be included at your accommodation this evening.

Overnight: Woody Hotel and Restaurant Yumekobo

Day 4

Witness the mating dance of the famous red-crowned crane in Tsurui and keep your eyes peeled for Blakiston's fish owls in Rausu.

Tsurui is famous as a breeding-ground for the rare red-crowned crane, and this morning you will have the services of an expert local guide in addition to your tour leader as you take a bird-watching tour of the area. Hopefully you'll be lucky enough to see the cranes perform their incredible mating dance – don't forget to bring your camera!
This afternoon you'll transfer by private coach to Rausu, where this afternoon you'll have a chance to spot the rare Blakiston's fish owl. A wonderful Japanese-style dinner will be included again this evening at your accommodation – where we also recommend that you take advantage of the onsen hot spring baths.

Overnight: Rausu Dai-ichi Hotel

Day 5

Take an icebreaker cruise amongst the ice floes of the Okhotsk Sea and visit one of Abashiri's fascinating museums.

This morning it's time to board an icebreaker for a cruise on the Okhotsk Sea. From your boat you'll be able to appreciate the wild scenery of the Shiretoko Peninsula and perhaps even get up close to a flock of Steller's Sea Eagles as they congregate on the ice floes.
Later on you will once again climb aboard a private coach and make your way to Abashiri, where this afternoon you'll visit either the Ice Floe Museum, the Prison Museum (Abashiri is the location of a famous prison), or the Museum of Northern Peoples, which tells the story of Hokkaido's indigenous inhabitants, the Ainu, as well as of peoples living in other subarctic regions of the globe.

Overnight: Hokuten no Oka

Day 6-8

Marvel at the giant snow sculptures at Sapporo's famous Yuki Matsuri, or snow festival.

Today you will take the train from Abashiri to Sapporo, Hokkaido's capital city. The train ride will be an experience in itself, offering fantastic views of Hokkaido's vast, windswept snowscapes as you journey across country.
In Sapporo you'll have a chance to slow your pace a little and relax, with three nights in your hotel located conveniently next to Sapporo station. The city is well known in Japan for producing the country's best beer, and this evening you'll take a tour of one of the local breweries before a delicious included dinner with your group.
We have timed your trip to coincide with Sapporo's Yuki Matsuri, or snow festival, a truly spectacular celebration during which the city plays host to hundreds of enormous ice and snow sculptures. On day seven you'll have a chance to join in the festivities, including an ice maze, tobogganing, sledge rides and even an ice bar.
On day eight you have another full day to enjoy the winter wonderland of Sapporo. We recommend visiting the Nijo Fish Market, checking out the Ainu Museum about Hokkaido's indigenous people, or perhaps scaling the TV tower for great views of the city.
If you're a keen skier or boarder, you could use this free day to hit the slopes of the Kiroro Ski Resort, just one hour away by bus. Your tour leader will be happy to help you organise a great value package including ski hire and a lift pass if this is up your street.

Overnight: Richmond Hotel Sapporo Eki-mae

Day 9-11

Today it's time to leave Hokkaido behind and return to Honshu main island by plane, flying from Sapporo to Kansai Airport. From the airport you'll take the train to Kyoto, Japan's capital for over a millennium from 794 until 1869. On arrival in the city you will drop off your luggage at your hotel in time to enjoy a delicious included meal with your group.
Kyoto's illustrious history as the seat of Imperial rule has left it with a bounty of ancient temples, shrines, palaces and gardens. In fact, Kyoto's heritage was considered so significant that it was spared bombing raids during World War Two, meaning that many of these historical treasures remain intact to this day.
On day ten your tour leader will take you on an extensive tour of the city, introducing you to some of its famous sites as well as some of its lesser-known treasures. This evening you will have the privilege of an exclusive audience with a maiko - or trainee geisha. This is a rare opportunity to ask questions and discover what life is like in this notoriously secretive world – a real highlight of the trip.
Finally, on day eleven you will be free to continue exploring the city or to make a day trip to one of the fascinating destinations within easy reach of the rail network. Your tour leader will be heading out to Hiroshima in the far west, the newly restored castle at Himeji or the ancient imperial capital of Nara. You can choose to accompany the group, or make alternative plans if there is something else you'd like to see.

Overnight: Sunroute Kyoto Hotel

Day 12-13

Visit the hot spring-bathing snow monkeys of Yudanaka, a tiny town in the Japanese Alps.

Today you'll swap Japan's ancient capital for mountain scenery as you journey by limited express train into the Japanese Alps to Yudanaka Onsen, a quaint hot spring town that has retained its historical feel, with crooked alleys and wooden buildings adding to the authentic atmosphere.
In Yudanaka you'll be spending two nights at a traditional ryokan inn, where futon mattresses are laid out for you on tatami-mat floors, you can warm your toes under a kotatsu heated table, and a beautiful Japanese-style meal will be included on both nights of your stay.
On day 13 you will walk on snowy paths through the forest to Jigokudani Monkey Park, where you'll find Japan's most famous simian residents. The monkeys here have learnt to keep themselves warm by bathing in the natural hot spring waters, and even have fun throwing snowballs at one another from time to time!
When you return to your ryokan tonight, we recommend that you follow the monkeys' example and have a nice long soak in the inn's onsen hot spring baths.

Overnight: Shimaya Ryokan

Day 14-15

Spend a final night in the buzzing entertainment hub of Shinjuku, Tokyo.

Finally it's time for you to return to Tokyo for one last evening in the city. Hopefully you should arrive in time for a little last-minute souvenir shopping! Dinner is not included this evening, but we highly recommend that you join your tour leader and group for a farewell meal at one of the area's fantastic restaurants. You'll be staying in Shinjuku, a buzzing entertainment hub, so options are plentiful!
On day 15 you'll head to Shinjuku Station and catch the airport bus direct to Narita Airport for your flight home. Have a safe trip!

Day 1-2

Ride on the Sumida river bus and sip green tea in the tranquil environs of Hamarikyu Gardens, an unlikely oasis in the centre of the Tokyo Metropolis.

On arrival at Tokyo's Narita Airport you will be met at arrivals by your driver and travel to your hotel in the traditional Asakusa district of the city by shared shuttle. Your tour leader will be waiting to welcome you in the lobby, and this evening you will convene with your group for an orientation meeting and a fabulous included meal at one of the area's great restaurants.
On day two of your itinerary we hope you're rested and ready for a tour of Tokyo's many exciting attractions. You will probably begin by exploring Asakusa's low-rise market stalls and its temple, Senso-ji, then go on to discover some of Tokyo's other distinct districts – perhaps the electronics shops of Akihabara, or the famous scramble crossing of Shibuya.
A ride on the Sumida River bus will be included today, along with entrance and a cup of green tea at the beautiful Hamarikyu Gardens – an oasis in the centre of the metropolis.

Overnight: Asakusa Via Inn

Day 3

Fly north to Hokkaido, Japan's second-largest island and home to spectacular wildlife and scenery.

Today you will hop aboard a private bus and head out of the city to Haneda Airport for your flight to Hokkaido. Hokkaido is the second-largest of Japan's four main islands, and yet it remains unvisited by most international visitors – and even by most Japanese! Known for its rare wildlife, rugged sweeping plains, volcanic landscapes and amazing snow festival, Hokkaido is a superb winter destination and definitely off the beaten track.
You will land in Kushiro and transfer by private coach to Tsurui , where you'll be spending your first night in Hokkaido. A delicious home-cooked dinner will be included at your accommodation this evening.

Overnight: Woody Hotel and Restaurant Yumekobo

Day 4

Witness the mating dance of the famous red-crowned crane in Tsurui and keep your eyes peeled for Blakiston's fish owls in Rausu.

Tsurui is famous as a breeding-ground for the rare red-crowned crane, and this morning you will have the services of an expert local guide in addition to your tour leader as you take a bird-watching tour of the area. Hopefully you'll be lucky enough to see the cranes perform their incredible mating dance – don't forget to bring your camera!
This afternoon you'll transfer by private coach to Rausu, where this afternoon you'll have a chance to spot the rare Blakiston's fish owl. A wonderful Japanese-style dinner will be included again this evening at your accommodation – where we also recommend that you take advantage of the onsen hot spring baths.

Overnight: Rausu Dai-ichi Hotel

Day 5

Take an icebreaker cruise amongst the ice floes of the Okhotsk Sea and visit one of Abashiri's fascinating museums.

This morning it's time to board an icebreaker for a cruise on the Okhotsk Sea. From your boat you'll be able to appreciate the wild scenery of the Shiretoko Peninsula and perhaps even get up close to a flock of Steller's Sea Eagles as they congregate on the ice floes.
Later on you will once again climb aboard a private coach and make your way to Abashiri, where this afternoon you'll visit either the Ice Floe Museum, the Prison Museum (Abashiri is the location of a famous prison), or the Museum of Northern Peoples, which tells the story of Hokkaido's indigenous inhabitants, the Ainu, as well as of peoples living in other subarctic regions of the globe.

Overnight: Hokuten no Oka

Day 6-8

Marvel at the giant snow sculptures at Sapporo's famous Yuki Matsuri, or snow festival.

Today you will take the train from Abashiri to Sapporo, Hokkaido's capital city. The train ride will be an experience in itself, offering fantastic views of Hokkaido's vast, windswept snowscapes as you journey across country.
In Sapporo you'll have a chance to slow your pace a little and relax, with three nights in your hotel located conveniently next to Sapporo station. The city is well known in Japan for producing the country's best beer, and this evening you'll take a tour of one of the local breweries before a delicious included dinner with your group.
We have timed your trip to coincide with Sapporo's Yuki Matsuri, or snow festival, a truly spectacular celebration during which the city plays host to hundreds of enormous ice and snow sculptures. On day seven you'll have a chance to join in the festivities, including an ice maze, tobogganing, sledge rides and even an ice bar.
On day eight you have another full day to enjoy the winter wonderland of Sapporo. We recommend visiting the Nijo Fish Market, checking out the Ainu Museum about Hokkaido's indigenous people, or perhaps scaling the TV tower for great views of the city.
If you're a keen skier or boarder, you could use this free day to hit the slopes of the Kiroro Ski Resort, just one hour away by bus. Your tour leader will be happy to help you organise a great value package including ski hire and a lift pass if this is up your street.

Overnight: Richmond Hotel Sapporo Eki-mae

Day 9-11

Today it's time to leave Hokkaido behind and return to Honshu main island by plane, flying from Sapporo to Kansai Airport. From the airport you'll take the train to Kyoto, Japan's capital for over a millennium from 794 until 1869. On arrival in the city you will drop off your luggage at your hotel in time to enjoy a delicious included meal with your group.
Kyoto's illustrious history as the seat of Imperial rule has left it with a bounty of ancient temples, shrines, palaces and gardens. In fact, Kyoto's heritage was considered so significant that it was spared bombing raids during World War Two, meaning that many of these historical treasures remain intact to this day.
On day ten your tour leader will take you on an extensive tour of the city, introducing you to some of its famous sites as well as some of its lesser-known treasures. This evening you will have the privilege of an exclusive audience with a maiko - or trainee geisha. This is a rare opportunity to ask questions and discover what life is like in this notoriously secretive world – a real highlight of the trip.
Finally, on day eleven you will be free to continue exploring the city or to make a day trip to one of the fascinating destinations within easy reach of the rail network. Your tour leader will be heading out to Hiroshima in the far west, the newly restored castle at Himeji or the ancient imperial capital of Nara. You can choose to accompany the group, or make alternative plans if there is something else you'd like to see.

Overnight: Sunroute Kyoto Hotel

Day 12-13

Visit the hot spring-bathing snow monkeys of Yudanaka, a tiny town in the Japanese Alps.

Today you'll swap Japan's ancient capital for mountain scenery as you journey by limited express train into the Japanese Alps to Yudanaka Onsen, a quaint hot spring town that has retained its historical feel, with crooked alleys and wooden buildings adding to the authentic atmosphere.
In Yudanaka you'll be spending two nights at a traditional ryokan inn, where futon mattresses are laid out for you on tatami-mat floors, you can warm your toes under a kotatsu heated table, and a beautiful Japanese-style meal will be included on both nights of your stay.
On day 13 you will walk on snowy paths through the forest to Jigokudani Monkey Park, where you'll find Japan's most famous simian residents. The monkeys here have learnt to keep themselves warm by bathing in the natural hot spring waters, and even have fun throwing snowballs at one another from time to time!
When you return to your ryokan tonight, we recommend that you follow the monkeys' example and have a nice long soak in the inn's onsen hot spring baths.

Overnight: Shimaya Ryokan

Day 14-15

Spend a final night in the buzzing entertainment hub of Shinjuku, Tokyo.

Finally it's time for you to return to Tokyo for one last evening in the city. Hopefully you should arrive in time for a little last-minute souvenir shopping! Dinner is not included this evening, but we highly recommend that you join your tour leader and group for a farewell meal at one of the area's fantastic restaurants. You'll be staying in Shinjuku, a buzzing entertainment hub, so options are plentiful!
On day 15 you'll head to Shinjuku Station and catch the airport bus direct to Narita Airport for your flight home. Have a safe trip!

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You can reserve a place on Winter Highlights by completing this form and paying a US$480 per person deposit. We accept payment in GBP, USD, CAD, AUD and EUR. You can choose your currency below. Please note that deposit and balance payments must be made in the same currency.

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Make an Enquiry

You can contact us using the form below. We would also love to chat about your travel plans on the phone so why not give our local office a call.

303 952 0379

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What style of trip are you interested in?*

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Your message*

We don't believe in a one size fits all approach so be sure to provide us with plenty of information here and it will really help us start thinking about some awesome ideas for your personalised trip. If you have seen anything on the site which really inspires you such as a particular itinerary, Group Tour or some of our fabulous experiences be sure to let us know.